Much to the delight of local cyclists and walkers, a new river path which links Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge was officially opened this week.
The Brue Estuary Path – which has cost £155,000 to complete – was officially opened on Tuesday morning, April 4th.
Francis Cornish, Chairman of South West Tourism and Leisure, cut the ribbon (as pictured right) to open the brand new path.
While just over a mile long, the new path is a significant improvement on the previous unsurfaced footpath and is of real benefit not only to walkers and cyclists but also to wheelchair and pushchair users.
The new path is the latest section of National Cycle Network Route 33, a route that will ultimately run from Weston-super-Mare to Seaton. North of Burnham, the route uses the firm sands of the beach to Berrow and Brean.
Sustrans has developed the path with Sedgemoor District Council and Sedgemoor in Somerset, Somerset County Council and the Environment Agency.
Councillor Dawn Hill, Sedgemoor District Council’s Regeneration Portfolio Holder, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Following local consultation, the Burnham and Highbridge Regeneration Partnership chose the Brue Estuary Path as a priority project.”
“I am delighted that it is already proving popular with local people, both as a functional route and as an extension to circular walks in Apex Park.”
Pictured above Jan Gannaway, a Sustrans Ranger volunteer, and David Perry, a local resident and Sailing Club member, wait eagerly for the opening of the path, watched (below) by members of local groups and, right, Cllr Joyce Beard.
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